The three towns in Runnels County are filled with unique places of interest, and each town also has special events every year. There are many well-preserved old homes and buildings in the county. You will want to tour the Runnels County Courthouse which was built in 1889, has one of the largest courthouse squares in Texas, and still functions as the center of county government today.
The Ballinger Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Ethnic Festival the last weekend in April. Ethnic food booths sell very good food, and arts and crafts abound. There is also live entertainment. The Hunter’s Appreciation Dinner is held the first Saturday evening in November at the beginning of deer season. The citizens of Ballinger are very proud of their beautiful city park which has RV trailer hookups.
The city of Miles sponsors the Cotton Festival the second Saturday in September. There are cook-offs and arts and crafts, meals, entertainment and dancing. Stop by and see the Miles Opera House, which also serves as a small museum. A drive down Robinson Street will take you back in time.
The Winters Chamber of Commerce sponsors Mayfest on the first Saturday in May. Dove Fest is hosted on the first Saturday in September, which consists of a clay pigeon fun shoot, arts and crafts show, gun and knife show, and a hunters’ appreciation lunch. On the third Saturday in November, you can attend a large arts and crafts show. While in Winters be sure to tour the Z. I. Hale Museum, Gus Pruser Ag Museum, and the restored Rock Hotel.
Many landowners lease land to hunters for dove, quail and deer hunting. Wildlife abounds in this area. Ballinger and Winters both have beautiful city lakes with picnic areas. You could browse boutiques and antique stores in all three towns. Many newcomers have visited and stayed because of the friendliness of the people here.
County Judge Marilyn Egan